Used Infiniti Q60 CV37 (2017-2022): Buyer's Guide

The 2017 Infiniti Q60 had 34 NHTSA complaints in its launch year. The 2020 had two. Same coupe, same engine architecture, same steer-by-wire steering system. But four years of running changes, a turbocharger warranty extension, and Infiniti quietly fixing belt routing issues separates a minefield from a genuinely good used buy.

The Q60 CV37 (2017-2022) is one of the most underpriced performance coupes on the used market right now. It competes on paper with the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupe, sells for less, and costs less to maintain than either. The catch: the twin-turbo V6 has three overlapping failure modes that can stack on top of each other if the car was not maintained correctly. Know what those are before you go to the dealership.

This Generation at a Glance

The CV37 is the second-generation Q60 coupe. Infiniti skipped 2016 to retool entirely, launching the new car in 2017 on a platform shared with the Q50 sedan. The coupe-only bodystyle (no convertible, no sedan) stayed unchanged throughout the run. Infiniti discontinued the Q60 after 2022, making every example on the used market today a final-generation car with no successor.

The main mid-cycle additions were Apple CarPlay in 2020 (wired), ProPilot Assist in 2020, and wireless CarPlay in 2022. No powertrain changes happened between 2017 and 2022. The turbos got a revised part number after 2018, and a service bulletin addressed belt alignment on early cars. No mechanical redesign ever happened.

Visit /market/infiniti/q60 for current pricing and inventory across all years.

Powertrain & Trim Breakdown

2.0T: The Safe Choice Nobody Talks About

The 2.0T uses a Mercedes-Benz M274 turbocharged inline-four. Infiniti sourced this engine directly from Stuttgart. It is not a Nissan/Infiniti design. This matters because the M274 has a longer track record and a more extensively documented reliability profile than the VR30.

The honest case for the 2.0T: it avoids all three of the VR30 failure modes described below. No turbo bearing warranty extension drama. No oil pressure solenoid silence. No galley plug coolant issues. The M274 is simply a direct-injection four-cylinder that will run well past 150,000 miles if you change the oil on time.

The honest case against: 208 horsepower in a car this heavy makes the Q60 feel sluggish. It is front-wheel drive only, which undercuts the entire point of a sports coupe. Forum consensus on infinitiq60.org is consistent: most 2.0T owners wish they had stepped up. If performance is why you are buying a Q60, the 2.0T will disappoint.

The 2.0T has its own issues to know. First, intake valve carbon buildup. Like all direct-injection engines, the M274 cannot clean its intake valves with fuel wash. Carbon deposits accumulate over time. Symptoms are rough idle, misfires, and power loss, sometimes with no fault code. Walnut blasting at a shop costs $300-$600 and is recommended around 60,000-70,000 miles. Ask the seller for this service record.

Second, camshaft actuator noise on high-mileage examples. Owners report a cold-start rattle that appears around 70,000 miles on pre-2014 Mercedes part numbers. The actuator was updated, but late-spec Q60 2.0T units (which use later part numbers) have largely avoided this. Listen for a cold-start tick that fades quickly as oil pressure builds. If it does not fade within 30 seconds, budget for actuator replacement.

Third, the 2017 recall (Campaign 17V476000). Early 2.0T cars had FPCM software that could allow fuel level in the main tank to drop low enough to starve the engine. Dealers reflashed the module for free. Verify the recall was completed before buying any 2017 2.0T.

3.0T: The Heart of the Line

The VR30DDTT is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 developed by Nissan/Infiniti specifically for the Q50 and Q60. At 300 horsepower, it is the sweet spot of the Q60 range. RWD with optional AWD. It genuinely drives like a sports coupe should.

It also has three failure modes you need to understand before any purchase.

Failure mode 1: Turbo bearing wear. On 2017-2018 Q60 models, the turbocharger thrust bearing can wear prematurely, allowing oil to leak internally and burn in the hot exhaust housing. The symptom is thick white or blue-gray smoke on startup or under hard acceleration. Infiniti extended the emission warranty on the turbocharger assembly to 10 years or 120,000 miles for 2017-2018 Q60 (and 2016-2018 Q50) in early 2025. This is not a recall. It is a limited emission warranty extension. If a 2017-2018 Q60 you are looking at has this symptom, verify the extension covers the car before buying. Turbocharger assembly replacement outside of warranty runs $2,850 to $3,409 for parts and labor at an independent shop. At a dealer, owners have reported quotes as high as $13,000 because it is an engine-out job.

Failure mode 2: Oil pressure control solenoid. The VR30 uses a two-stage oil pump controlled by a solenoid. When the solenoid fails, the pump stays locked in low-pressure mode, never exceeding approximately 30 psi. The engine does not throw a fault code for this failure. The only dashboard warning you get is the oil pressure warning light, which appears only after oil pressure drops below 5 psi at idle, which is after bearing damage has already begun. Forum posts across infinitiq60.org and the Q50 community consistently identify this solenoid as the root cause of the majority of unexplained bearing failures on the VR30. Preventive replacement costs approximately $200-400 in parts and two to three hours of labor. For any used VR30 over 60,000 miles, treat this as a required service item.

Failure mode 3: Galley plug and coolant loss. The VR30 has a known issue where coolant migrates into the engine oil. The root cause is either deteriorating galley plug washers under the valve covers or cracking around the cylinder head bolt bosses due to the integrated exhaust manifold design. The only external symptom before significant damage occurs is a coolant reservoir that reads lower than expected over successive checks. No warning light activates until the situation is severe. Forum threads going back to 2020 describe this issue across all model years, not just early cars. Ask any seller when the coolant was last topped off. Check the reservoir yourself on your test drive. If the oil cap shows a milky residue, walk away.

The 3.0T also shares the carbon buildup issue with the 2.0T. Walnut blasting at 60,000-70,000 miles. Same recommendation, same cost.

Serpentine belt on early cars. A service bulletin (not a recall) addressed premature belt wear on 2017 models where misaligned belt routing caused the belt to shred well before it should fail. Infiniti revised the belt part number (11720-5CA0B) and adjusted routing on 2018+ turbos. If you are buying a 2017, ask for documentation that the belt has been inspected and replaced with the updated specification.

Red Sport 400: The One to Get, Carefully

The Red Sport 400 uses the same VR30DDTT block but runs at 14.5 psi of boost versus 8 psi in the base 3.0T. Infiniti also added a speed sensor to the turbochargers on the Red Sport so the ECM can monitor impeller RPM and adjust accordingly. This sensor feedback is part of why some long-time forum members believe Red Sport turbos, especially 2018 and later, hold up marginally better than the base 3.0T setup. The data is anecdotal. Do not buy a Red Sport because of it.

The Red Sport adds port injection alongside direct injection (dual injection system), which helps reduce intake carbon deposits compared to the base 3.0T's direct-injection-only setup. This is a legitimate ownership advantage on high-mileage examples.

The Red Sport also adds Dynamic Digital Suspension (standard), available in Comfort, Standard, or Sport settings. This system works well and rarely causes problems. When it does fail, expect $800-$1,500 for a strut assembly.

Everything said about the 3.0T failure modes applies equally to the Red Sport. Same engine block. Same galley plug issue. Same solenoid risk. Same turbo warranty extension applies only to 2017-2018 examples. A well-maintained 2020-2022 Red Sport AWD is the Q60 to own.

Direct Adaptive Steering: A Generation-Defining Quirk

All CV37 Q60s come with Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), a steer-by-wire system that removes the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the rack. This system exists exclusively in the Q50 and Q60. Infiniti has not used it on any other vehicle.

The consensus from professional reviewers and owners is that DAS makes the Q60's steering feel artificial and disconnected. Some owners adjust to it. Many do not. Test drive before you buy with this specifically in mind.

When DAS fails, dealers typically replace multiple control units. One documented 2018 example with 10,000 miles required replacement of three separate controllers before the root cause was found in a harness connector. Budget $1,000-$2,500 if DAS needs repair.

You cannot retrofit non-DAS steering into a CV37 Q60. You are buying the system along with the car.

Trim-Specific Notes

The Q60 trims run Pure, Luxe, Sport, Sensory, and top-level packages on the Red Sport. Here is what matters in practice.

The Pure is the base trim. Cloth (or faux leather depending on year) seating, no adaptive suspension, fewer driver assist features. Perfectly livable, but it will be missing features that define the Q60 experience. Pure models are underpriced relative to better-equipped examples and can make sense if you strip out features you would not use anyway.

The Luxe adds leather, a Bose sound system, and more standard safety features. This is where most buyers land. It adds value without adding suspension complexity.

The Sport and Sensory trims add the adaptive suspension and upgraded interior materials. If you want the full Q60 experience, target Luxe or higher on the 3.0T.

Apple CarPlay is worth seeking out. It was not available until the 2020 model year. Pre-2020 cars use Infiniti's InTouch dual-screen infotainment, which owners consistently describe as dated and slow. The upper display on 2017-2019 models is known to fail with a corrupt internal SD card, resulting in a blank screen. Dealer repair or DIY SD card replacement is the fix, typically $100-$400 depending on approach.

AWD versus RWD: In the 3.0T and Red Sport, AWD adds $2,000-$4,000 to the purchase price used. The performance difference in dry conditions is minimal. AWD makes sense if you drive in snow or own a single car. Pure sports driving on good roads? RWD is the better feel and less weight.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Generation

The 2017 and 2018 should not be ruled out entirely, but they require extra scrutiny. The turbo warranty extension does cover 2017-2018 examples for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original sale date. A 2017 car that is still within that window and shows no turbo symptoms is not automatically a bad buy. Just verify coverage and get a pre-purchase inspection.

The 2019 is where the Q60 hits its stride as a used buy. The massive drop in complaints from 2018 to 2019 reflects the maturation of a first-year car's issues being worked out. 2019 models represent a genuinely lower-risk entry point.

The 2020-2022 models are the safest choices. The 2020 addition of Apple CarPlay alone makes it feel more current than its predecessors.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

These are specific to the Q60, organized by powertrain:

For all VR30 engines (3.0T and Red Sport 400):

• Cold start the engine. Listen for a knock or rattle that follows RPM and does not fade within 30 seconds of warm-up. That can indicate early bearing wear from solenoid starvation.
• Rev to 3,000 RPM and watch the exhaust. Blue or white smoke that lingers after the engine is warmed up is a turbo bearing leak. The turbo warranty extension may still cover this on 2017-2018 examples.
• Check the coolant reservoir level and confirm the history of coolant top-offs. Ask the seller directly.
• Pull the oil cap. A milky or frothy residue means coolant is mixing into oil. This is a galley plug or head issue. Do not buy the car until this is diagnosed.
• Ask for the belt replacement service record on 2017 examples specifically.
• Request any record of oil pressure solenoid replacement or inspection on cars over 60,000 miles.
• Verify the VIN against the turbo emission warranty extension if buying a 2017 or 2018.

For 2.0T engines:

• Verify the 2017 FPCM recall (17V476000) is completed. Run the VIN at /tools/recall-lookup.
• Ask about walnut blasting service. If the car has over 70,000 miles and this has never been done, budget $400-600.
• Listen for a cold-start rattle that does not fade. Camshaft actuator wear on high-mileage examples.

For all Q60s regardless of powertrain:

• Test the infotainment screen. Turn on the car, let it boot fully, then put it in reverse. Backup camera should display immediately. A blank screen is the corrupt SD card issue.
• Test the DAS by driving at low speed with two hands loosely on the wheel. The car should track straight with minimal wandering. Frequent lane correction is either DAS calibration or alignment. If you feel the system fighting you, have the dealer check for DAS fault codes.
• Run the VIN through /tools/recall-lookup before any purchase.

Running Costs

The Q60 requires premium fuel. Budget 20-25 cents per gallon more than the regular price at every fill-up. Annual fuel cost runs $3,250 (2.0T) to $3,900 (VR30 models) based on EPA estimates and 15,000 miles per year.

Oil changes run $146-$174 at a dealer or independent Infiniti shop. The VR30 runs a 5,000-mile interval. Skimp here and you are accelerating the solenoid failure risk. The 2.0T uses the same interval.

For comparison: BMW 4 Series ownership costs run 15-30% higher for equivalent service. The Q60 is meaningfully less expensive to operate than its German competitors, even accounting for the VR30 failure risks.

The Q60 also holds its value poorly relative to BMW and Mercedes equivalents. This is bad if you own one and good if you are buying used. A 2019 Q60 Red Sport AWD that stickered for $58,000 new now trades for $25,000-$30,000 used. That spread is your opportunity.

FAQ Block

Is the 2017-2022 Infiniti Q60 reliable? Reliability depends heavily on model year and maintenance history. The 2017-2018 cars have documented turbo issues and the highest complaint volumes. The 2019-2022 models are significantly more consistent. All VR30 engines require proactive solenoid maintenance to prevent silent bearing failure. A well-maintained 2020-2022 Q60 is a reliable car.

What year Q60 should I avoid? The 2017 is the year to approach most carefully. It has the most NHTSA complaints in the generation (approximately 34), the most launch-year issues, and some recalls specific to that year. If you do buy a 2017, confirm the turbo emission warranty extension is still active for that specific VIN and verify the belt service bulletin was addressed.

Which Q60 engine is most reliable? The 2.0T avoids the VR30's three overlapping failure modes and is the more straightforward engine to maintain. However, it is front-wheel drive and significantly less powerful. If performance matters, the 3.0T or Red Sport is the right choice with proactive maintenance, especially oil pressure solenoid replacement around 60,000 miles.

How long does an Infiniti Q60 last? With regular oil changes at 5,000-mile intervals and proactive attention to the VR30's known issues, the Q60 can reach 200,000 miles. The engines themselves are not fragile when properly maintained. The risk is deferred maintenance that compounds the solenoid, turbo, and coolant issues simultaneously, which can turn a $300 fix into an $8,000 engine rebuild.

Is the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 worth the premium? The Red Sport 400 delivers 400 horsepower for $5,000-$8,000 more than a comparable 3.0T used. For a true sports coupe experience, the answer is yes. The dual injection system reduces carbon buildup compared to the base 3.0T. Target 2020-2022 models for the best balance of performance and reliability.

Bottom Line

The sweet spot is a 2020-2022 Q60 3.0T or Red Sport 400 in AWD with documented oil change history. Check the coolant reservoir. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically tests the oil pressure solenoid. Run the VIN through a recall check before you make an offer.

If the car checks out, you are buying one of the better performance coupe values on the used market: 300-400 horsepower, genuine rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and depreciation that is already done. CarScout members can track price drops on specific Q60 years and trims at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from NHTSA complaints database, EPA fuel economy data, the Infiniti turbocharger emission warranty extension bulletin (2025), and real owner experiences from infinitiq60.org, the Infiniti Q50 forum (infinitiq50.org), and the VR30 maintenance community. See the full Infiniti Q60 market data for current pricing and inventory.